NBA rumors: Thunder beat out Lakers, Nuggets for Nique Clifford trade

NBA rumors: Thunder beat out Lakers, Nuggets for Nique Clifford trade appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a big trade on Sunday, acquiring second-year wing Nique Clifford from the Sacramento Kings to help address their recent injury woes. However, prior to the Thunder trading for Clifford, there were two other teams reportedly in the mix for his services in the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, as per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. Both the Nuggets and the Lakers would benefit from a young athletic wing like Nique Clifford, but the Thunder apparently beat them to the trade. To acquire Clifford, the Thunder surrendered some of their surplus of draft assets in two second round picks. The next order of business for the Thunder is to free up a roster spot for Clifford. The team had previously signed Dalen Terry to a multi-year contract to occupy their 15th roster spot, but as noted by Scotto, the deal was not fully guaranteed and he can be waved to make room. Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial) Clifford is in his second season in the league after being the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Kings. Although he turned in a promising rookie season last year, Clifford’s playing time and role had decreased in the early-goings of this year. The former Colorado State standout had appeared in eight of the Kings’ nine games this year, at a little over six minutes per game. He was averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 assists with splits of 35.3 percent shooting from the field and 12.5 percent shooting from the 3-point line. Last season, he put up 8.6 points and shot 33.3 percent from the 3-point line. The trade to the Thunder gives him the opportunity to be a contributor to a contending team. Related: 76ers vs. Bulls injury report: Joel Embiid’s status with Nic Claxton set for season debut Related: Heat vs. Kings injury report: Keegan Murray upgraded